Nothing says “classy” quite like “The little black dress” or LBD. Created and popularized by French designer Coco Chanel it is probably the most versatile item of fashion a woman can own. It effortlessly goes from day to date night with some jewelry, or silk scarf and a fine pair of shoes.

French designer and creator of the “little black dress” Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel

Coco Chanel’s first little black dresses 1926

“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury” said Coco Chanel. Her LBD quickly became so popular that Vogue magazine nicknamed it the “Ford” of fashion. After all it only came in black, like Henry Ford’s Model T. Vogue rightly predicted it would become a classic too.

The first little black dress was straight midi length. Chanel had created a simple, classy dress that was comfortable, and easy to wear, eliminating the need for restricting corsets. Her designs were welcomed by modern women and her influence is every where. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel can be thanked for creating pants for women, ropes of pearls, sling-back pumps, bobbed hair and costume jewelry.

Coco Chanel working on a beautiful LBD

And then there is Audrey…..my very favorite actress …she perfectly illustrated what Coco Chanel meant when she said

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening. Fashion fades only style remains the same” Coco Chanel

When I was a teenager I was determined to one day live in New York and become a fashion designer. Time and circumstances changed that, but now that I have a vintage shop I am again learning about the designers I used to love to read about.

When I saw this beautiful Anne Fogarty black velvet dress I knew the name at once. Anne Fogarty wrote the classic fashion book “Wife Dressing” in the 50s. (you can find it on Amazon).

Anne Fogarty studied to be an actress. While working as a model for Harvey Berin, he encouraged her to design clothes instead. She began designing in 1948 for teenagers and was especially known for her New Look dresses with the fitted bodices and full skirts. As times changed so did her designs. But they always kept her youthful All American look. She designed for Margot and Saks Fifth Avenue and owned Anne Fogarty Inc from 1962 until the 1970s. She continued designing clothes until her passing in 1981.